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“Czar can, but he doesn’t like it,” Val said. “Where are you going?”
“With Molly,” Phin said. “Nobody goes out alone. Burke’s new rule.”
Val took a seat at the table next to Antoine. “I thought you were going home to sleep.”
Antoine looked like he hadn’t slept a wink. “I am. Soon.”
“He worked all night,” Jace said quietly.
Antoine glared. “Tattletale.”
Val gave Jace a sympathetic look. “He says the same thing to us when we try to take care of him. Don’t take it personally. Right, Antoine?”
Antoine sighed. “Right. Sorry, kid. I’m... frustrated. I need more coffee.”
“I’ll get you a refill,” Val said. “I got some sleep, so I’m good.” She refilled his mug, then poured herself a cup, then gasped in delight. “MaryBeth!” On the counter were a dozen cake pops, decorated like pumpkins, vampires, witches, and ghosts. “Did you make these?”
“I did,” she said cheerfully. “Halloween’s on Monday, so we’ve made a lot of these. They’re sugar-free and low-carb but tasty, so you can all have some. I made him pumpkin cookies that you can freeze for later, too. They’ll thaw well.”
“I forgot all about Halloween. Poor Elijah. If this continues into next week, he’ll miss his school party.”
“I took care of that,” MaryBeth said. “I called the team.”
Val blinked. “The team?”
“Drink some coffee, girl. You need to jump-start your brain. The QuarterMasters.”
“Your roller derby team,” Jace added helpfully.
Val’s cheeks heated. “Don’t you tell anyone that I forgot about them.”
“I won’t,” MaryBeth promised. “This time. Anyway, we’re going to have a Halloween party when it’s safe for Elijah to leave the house. I told all the girls with kids not to pack the costumes away. If we’re still here next week, we’re going to do a trick-or-treat at the arena with nonfood prizes for kids who have food allergies and sugar issues.”
Val’s eyes stung. “You’re the best.”
MaryBeth did a little wiggle. “I am. You can come, too, Jace. You’re a little old for trick-or-treat, but I’ll fix you up with a lot of candy.”
Jace’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Really. You’re a nice kid. We like you.” She rose when Molly and Phin returned from walking the dog. “Can someone walk me to my car? I have to get back. Jessica has our part-timer working with her this morning, but we’re slammed with people buying treats for all the Halloween parties happening this weekend.”
“I’ll walk you,” Phin said, waiting by the door.
Val gave MaryBeth a crushing hug. “Thank you. You really are the best.”
MaryBeth hugged her back. “You look good this morning. I’m glad you got some rest.” She pulled away and grinned wickedly. “Call me. I want details.”
Val’s face heated. “I take it back. You’re not the best. You’re mean and hateful.”
MaryBeth curtsied low. “You love me.”
“I do. Be careful.” She returned to her seat and leaned over to look at the closest of Antoine’s three laptop screens. He didn’t even react, and that was unusual. He normally would have angled the screen so that no one could see what he was doing. “Is there any news on Noni Feldman?”
Antoine shook his head, the movement slow and... numb. “No. Not yet.”
Val frowned. “What’s wrong, Antoine? You’re scaring me.”
Antoine looked at her, his eyes bleary and full of worry. “Remember the video we wanted to look at? The one where Kaj was in the lobby of NOPD talking to Elijah and mentioned the math meet?”
